Saturday, October 21, 2023

Saturday Lagniappe: 'In tough times, churches can’t afford to go it alone, new book advises' And More


In tough times, churches can’t afford to go it alone, new book advises
Samford University sociologist Jennifer McClure Haraway looks at the way congregations in Alabama work together — and what congregations around the country can learn from them.

10 Steps to Raising Up and Calling Out the Next Generation of Gospel Workers
"I’ve previously written about the importance of pastors 'calling out the called' within their congregations. I’m convinced this responsibility is ours, but most pastors I know don’t do it intentionally. Most of us wait until someone comes to us with questions about a potential call (and, certainly we must minister to them where they are)—yet, with that approach we miss the opportunity to challenge others to consider a call. Here are some steps toward 'calling out the called'...."

Walking Humbly While Waiting for Your Moment
On the one hand, you can’t do anything you put your mind to. Some things aren’t possible just because you believe they are. That’s why superhero movies are so popular – we get to watch fictitious characters do all the impossible things we wish we could do. On the other hand, you can do way more than you probably realize. You just can’t do it as fast as you probably want.

Like the Good Samaritan, loving neighbors requires centering, cost and courage, Duke professor explains
When COVID-19 started to spread, epidemiologist Emily Smith expected the pandemic would provide an opportunity for Christians to shine the light of compassion into the lives of hurting people. But when Smith began writing a blog to help focus that light, she experienced a dark backlash of denial, anger and vitriol she never anticipated.

Let’s “Uncomplicate” Discipleship at Home
When it comes to discipleship in the home, engaging in conversations that create space for faith talks and God moments, it can be tempting to formalize it, following the step-by-step guide of a book or instituting certain practices to ensure that faith gets talked about at home. But sometimes those things can bring more frustration than they do formation.

Persevere in Praying for Unbelieving Loved Ones
Praying for the salvation of a loved one over the course of a lifetime without losing hope is hard work. It takes spiritual muscles that many of us haven’t used. It takes perseverance. We persevere in the hard work of praying for unsaved family members and friends by anchoring our prayers in the truth of Scripture and the character of God.

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association announces major Europe gathering to reinvigorate evangelism
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is preparing to gather Christian leaders from around Europe for a major gathering on evangelism. The European Congress on Evangelism will take place in the German capital of Berlin from 27 to 30 May 2025, with the expectation that 1,000 Christian leaders will attend from every European country and territory.

Ten year Gallup study highlights positives of having a religious faith
Gallup research presented earlier this month has highlighted the profound connection between faith and well-being, emphasising the positive influence of religion on individuals worldwide. The findings, as outlined in the report "Faith and Wellness: The Worldwide Connection Between Spirituality & Wellbeing," affirm that individuals who embrace religion often enjoy heightened levels of overall well-being.

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